+356 213 777 00
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Bank Account Opening

We facilitate the bank account opening process by guiding you through the bureaucratic challenges and offering efficient solutions for your financial needs.

Bank Account Opening - What you need to know

Malta’s economy has grown significantly in recent years, primarily because of the influx of foreign professionals and foreign companies. This has led to a sudden increase in the demand for banks to support and finance the opportunities created in the local financial sector. In fact, Malta is considered an international banking centre and is valued as highly as other countries in the Mediterranean. Here in Malta, there are 26 operating banks, each of them can provide domestic financing within the market and loans to local or foreign individuals and companies in Malta. Malta has effectively integrated into the pan-European system, particularly with regards to transaction processing and the usage of the Euro in ATMs. Therefore, anyone with an account with a European Bank does not have to open another bank account with one of the local banks, even if one intends to become a resident of Malta. Contrarily, if you want to take out a local mortgage, then a Maltese bank account is required. An entrepreneur looking to start a business in Malta will find banking services suitable for their business, which can be customised according to the needs of their business. Many local banks offer a convenient and comprehensive banking experience through their wide range of products, services, and expertise. Products and services offered to both retail and corporate customers range from business checking accounts, savings accounts, time deposits, lines of credit, overdrafts, debit/credit cards, trade finance, foreign currency accounts, foreign exchange services, direct lending, Internet banking, cash letters of credit, chequebooks, and ATMs.

However, due to increasingly strict regulations in the banking industry, opening a bank account in Malta has become a time-consuming and complicated affair. Furthermore, many local banks are going through a de-risking process of risk reduction, which is detrimental to companies and individuals operating in Malta. Banking is an essential part of any organisation. Without a bank account, a company cannot continue its daily operations.

Our bank account opening services at DW&P Dr. Werner & Partner are ideal for companies, entrepreneurs, and individuals who want to do business in Malta. Those who particularly benefit from our services:

  • Entrepreneurs setting up a company in Malta: Opening a local bank account is essential for daily operations and efficient handling of financial transactions.
  • Companies seeking local mortgages or loans: A Maltese bank account is necessary to access the financial services of local banks.
  • Foreign investors and companies: They benefit from our expertise and relationships with local banks to simplify and expedite the often complex process of opening an account.
  • Freelancers and sole proprietors: They can benefit from the comprehensive banking services tailored to their specific business requirements.

With our services, you can ensure that your banking matters are handled efficiently and professionally, allowing you to focus on your core business.

Here at DW&P Dr. Werner & Partner, we can help you find the right banking partner through our expertise and excellent relationships with both local and foreign banks. We aim to make the process easier for you and offer a customized solution. Through our comprehensive and ongoing service, you can be confident that all banking matters are in safe hands. At DW&P Dr. Werner & Partner, once you have been identified and verified by our professional compliance team and the company is established, you will receive all the information regarding your banking requirements. This information includes:

  • A list of banks/payment service providers that best meet your company’s needs;
  • An introduction to the bank of your choice, where we act as an intermediary between you and the bank;
  • Assistance in collecting all necessary due diligence checks and preparing all required bank forms – when it comes to due diligence documentation, we ensure that most of the due diligence checks required by the banks are done during the onboarding phase to make the process simple, efficient, and effective;
  • Ensure that the account is opened on time – Through our close relationships with a number of local and foreign banks, we can activate an account for you within a few weeks, considering that any delays in this process could result in missed business opportunities and profits.
  • Ongoing support with all bank-related matters concerning the management of bank accounts, even after the account opening process is completed and the account is fully operational.

Having employees who have worked in the banking sector makes it easier to understand what is needed from the bank’s perspective. On our side, we always stay updated on new regulations and are in constant contact with banks, where we are already recognized service providers in customer mediation, to keep up with new bank requirements. This also helps us better assess the risk appetite of various institutions and reduce delays in opening bank accounts for you.

Is it difficult to open a bank account in Malta?

Due to the increasing number of compliance regulations that must be met, the process is becoming increasingly tedious and lengthy. Nevertheless, we have always found a way to help clients successfully open a bank account.

What level of due diligence is required to open a local bank account?

If a company wants to open a corporate bank account, the following documents are necessary: A copy of the company’s incorporation documents, such as registration certificate, memorandum & articles of association, and share register, is required, and there are cases where a “Certificate of Good Standing” and a “Certificate of Incumbency” are required.If a company wants to open a corporate bank account, the following documents are necessary: A copy of the company’s incorporation documents, such as registration certificate, memorandum & articles of association, and share register, is required, is required, and there are cases where a “Certificate of Good Standing” and a “Certificate of Incumbency” are required. A copy of the passport or ID card for each director, shareholder, beneficial owner, and authorised signatories A bank reference for each director and beneficial owner of the company A utility bill or bank statement as proof of address for directors, shareholders, beneficial owners, and authorised signatories. Evidence to support the financial statement of the beneficial owner, such as payslips from previous employment, bank statements, etc.

How long does it take to open a local bank account?

Generally, opening a local bank account takes between six and eight weeks, and there are cases where the process takes about three months, depending on the institution and the complexity of the approach.

Are there faster solutions?

Yes, of course, we can help you choose a quick solution to start the company’s trading activities. We have good relationships with Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) both locally and abroad, where it would be possible to open an account within a few days.

Can I choose to have multiple accounts with different banks/electronic money institutions?

Yes, certainly. We always suggest that a company should have at least two operational accounts with two different institutions.

What happens if a Maltese bank is unable to meet its obligations and repay the money I have deposited into the account with this bank?

From our side, we ensure that we introduce our clients to local banks that fall under the Depositor Compensation Scheme. The Depositor Compensation Scheme is a safety net for depositors of failed banks licenced by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). The Depositor Compensation Scheme has a cap of 100,000 euros per investor.

Do you want to open a bank account in Malta for your business?

Schedule a free initial consultation now.

Bank Account Opening - Our service

Comprehensive Advice

Analysis of your specific banking requirements and comprehensive advice.

Bank Selection

Providing a list of suitable banks and payment service providers.

Mediation

Mediation between you and the bank of your choice.

Documentation Assistance

Assistance in collecting and preparing all necessary due diligence documents.

Close Bank Relationships

Utilizing our close relationships with local and foreign banks for a smooth process.

What our clients say about us

Bank Account Opening - Your contact persons

Banking Manager

Wilfred Sammut

Our process at a glance

Step 01

Strategic consulting

Analysis and Optimal Bank.

Always free of charge.

Step 02

Onboarding

Compliance review of your company.
Step 03

Bank Introduction

Introduction to the chosen bank to carry out the account opening.
Step 04

Compliance Documents

Assistance in providing evidence.
Step 06

Do you have any questions?

Schedule a free initial consultation now.

Blogposts about Bank Account Opening

Each client of Dr Werner & Partner who founds an LTD in Malta sooner or later needs a bank account to guarantee the company’s payment...

An article from Darren Borg
Geschäftszeiten

MON - FR 9.00 -17.00

Telefon

+356 213 777 00

Office Times

MON - FR 9.00 -17.00

Phone

+356 213 777 00